Calhoun County Circuit Judge Debra Jones announced on Monday that she would seek the Republican nomination for the Alabama Supreme Court.

A two-term circuit judge and former prosecutor, Jones is running for the seat currently held by Justice Mike Bolin, who is retiring from the court.

“I have a proven record of being a conservative judge,” Jones said in a statement from her campaign. “I have earned a reputation of being honest and fair. I strictly apply the law to everyone equally without fear or favor and treat each person in my courtroom with dignity and respect.”

Jones touted her support for the rights of women and children as a focal point of her career. She created the Calhoun Cleburne Children’s Advocacy Center and co-founded a free counseling center for rape victims and a faith-based domestic violence shelter for women and children.

“As a jury trial judge, I will bring a broad range of courtroom experience to the Alabama Supreme Court,” Jones added. “Judicial experience should matter. I have presided over many complex cases including capital murder, rape, child sexual abuse, medical malpractice and wrongful death.”

Jones received an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and her law degree from Samford’s Cumberland School of Law.

“I am proud to be born and raised and educated in Alabama,” Jones said. “It would be my honor to serve the great people of Alabama on its highest court.”

Jones plans to make a formal announcement of her candidacy on Wednesday at the Calhoun County Courthouse. She is the second candidate to enter the race. Birmingham lawyer Greg Cook announced last month that he was a candidate for the seat.

Tim Howe is an owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia